Unique methods to keep elephants away from human settlements

Rourkela, Mar 12 (PTI) Unique methods like use of LED lights with siren and bio-acoustics are being used by Forest department to keep elephants away from human settlements in interior areas of Odisha’s Sundergarh district.

The new techniques are put to use as the wild animals have made life miserable for the residents in several areas like Hemgiri, Sabdega and other places, Forest officials said.

The jumbos demolish houses destroy standing crops like paddy and vegetables. Farmers appear to be more worried about protecting the paddy and other farm produces.

“We are now using some new techniques and plans are afoot to introduce some other methods for which we need government s approval,” said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sundergarh, Arun Kumar Mishra.

Amongst the techniques being used are LED lights with sirens, scare away guns and bio-acoustics. “The LED lights and sirens are being used after the experience in Jaspur in Chhattisgarh,” said the DFO.

The high power lights along with sirens are helping in scaring away the jumbos. However, these have limited effect.

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